RICHARD "DICK" HARGIS

Richard "Dick" Hargis is easily one of the five best trial attorneys I have ever seen in court.  The secret for his success from where I sit is his sincerity.  Like George Burns said about show business:  "It's all about sincerity and if you can fake that, you've got it made." He is so earnest and convincing that the jury has little choice but to go along with him.  And I don't think he is faking it.

When he questions a witness, he doesn't hide behind some veil of lawyerly indifference, he lets his emotions hang out for everyone to see them.  If a witness says something that is not credible, Dick Hargis will respond with "Oh come on, Mr. Smith, you know it wasn't like that."  Dick doesn't just say what everyone is thinking, he says it in such a way that the witness, the jury, the judge and opposing counsel all understand the charade is exposed. 

That quality is rare indeed.  I have tried over 140 civil jury trials and I have yet to see another lawyer do what Dick does routinely.  I think his openness and his blount and direct approach separates him from every lawyer I have ever encountered in trial and otherwise.